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Cheddar Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Munster Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Munster Cheese Overview
Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Munster Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Munster Cheese has a color of orangey-pink to orange-red , comes in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and has an aging period of 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | Not Specified | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | 45-48% |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semisoft |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Varies | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | A few months to several years | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
